Oregon and Washington: The Inexpensive Way to Access 90 Pointers

Pacific Rim Solstice Vineyard Riesling, one of the most award winning wines in Washington.

The Wine Spectator just released an interesting compilation of statistics about what it costs to get a 90 point wine in different regions (Wine Spectator Members click here – no membership required link). I think it is intriguing to see what an average a 90 points or above cost. Below is a chart summarizing their work.

A comparison of what an average 90 point bottle of wine costs in each region.

Fascinating to see how crazy expensive a 90 points+ in Napa or Burgundy is and how much of a value (even though not cheap by any means) both Oregon and Washington truly are. WHY DO PEOPLE BUY NAPA CAB?

Because I found that soooooo fun, I also went ahead and looked at Washington Riesling to see how it would fit in there. A 90 point or above wine (Wine Spectator only) for a 750ml bottle of Riesling from Washington State will cost you on average $19. Oh, guess which winery has the most 90 point+ scores since 2007 for a 750 ml bottle of Riesling – yes it is Pacific Rim. Below is the list of our above 90 scores in 750 ml (I did not count the 375ml because some are really expensive and small volumes):

Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Biodynamic Wallula Vineyard

2007

90

$32

Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Biodynamic Wallula Vineyard

2009

91

$33

Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Sweet

2014

90

$11

Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Wallula Vineyard

2008

91

$32

Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley Wallula Vineyard Biodynamic

2010

92

$32

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Dry Selenium Vineyard

2013

90

$15

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Solstice Vineyard

2007

90

$32

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Solstice Vineyard

2008

90

$32

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Solstice Vineyard

2010

90

$32

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Solstice Vineyard

2012

90

$24

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Solstice Vineyard

2013

91

$24

Pacific Rim Riesling Yakima Valley Solstice Vineyard

2014

90

$24

Savvy shoppers – look at the Pacific Northwest and especially to Riesling to get fantastic wines at a great price!